A $2.5 billion redevelopment aimed at restoring the Cairncross Dockyard as a functional shipyard is progressing in Morningside after receiving prescribed project status.
Background of the Morningside Site
The Cairncross Dockyard was established in 1942 to support naval operations during World War II. The site later declined in use and has been largely dormant in recent years.
In late November 2025, the project was declared a prescribed project, enabling streamlined approval processes for redevelopment works at the Morningside location.
Planned Infrastructure and Site Upgrades
The redevelopment involves a privately funded $2.5 billion investment. Plans include a large-scale graving dock, a 6,000-tonne hydraulic chain-jack vertical ship lift, a 1,200-tonne crawler crane and new and expanded wharves. Critical power and water infrastructure will also be developed to support operations.
Once completed, the upgraded facility will allow both on-water and out-of-water vessel maintenance.
Expected Economic Impact
The redevelopment is projected to create more than 1,000 direct jobs within the shipyard and thousands of indirect jobs across steel production, advanced manufacturing and logistics.
Interest in the proposal has come from stakeholders in Australia and overseas, including from the United States, Japan and South Korea. The project is being led by Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Texas Tea Queensland.
Community Sentiment in Morningside
Public responses varied, with some comments expressing interest in the dockyard’s restoration. Others noted its historical significance, the need for workforce development and comparisons with other maritime projects in Australia.
Next Steps for the Redevelopment
The prescribed project status allows coordinated assessment and approval processes. The Office of the Coordinator-General will oversee compliance with environmental and social requirements as redevelopment progresses.
Once operational, the upgraded shipyard is expected to strengthen maritime sustainment capabilities and support industrial activity in the Morningside area.
Published 28-Nov-2025
